As the region enters a new period of transportation mobility, we ask Seattle Center visitors to allow extra time in your travels and consider all transportation options. Multiple Metro bus routes serve Seattle Center, and Seattle Center Monorail provides a speedy connection between Seattle Center and the Sound Transit/Metro Station at Westlake. Learn how to route your way to and from the Center and take advantage of ride incentives at Find Your Ride, and get the latest on road work and closures at Transportation Updates.

To learn more about all the extraordinary events and activities at Seattle Center, visit Seattle Center or call 206-684-7200.

Tết in Seattle – Vietnamese Lunar New Year offers guests the opportunity to partake in contemporary and traditional Vietnamese culture to welcome the start of another year. This two-day festival includes live musical performances, a cultural village art display, a kid’s center with games and crafts and a Vietnamese traditional dress “ao dai” fashion show. Local food vendors and cooking demonstrations by restaurant Bun & Oc will also be available.

A new addition to the festival is a free health clinic , 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., on both festival days. A partnership between Tết in Seattle and Swedish Medical Center, Medical Teams International and Vietnam Health Clinic supports the free medical, dental and vision offerings. For more information, click here.

Newly added to the Festál series this year is the “Alaska Airlines Fly Away Giveaway.” Guests who obtain a passport inside Seattle Center Armory or by downloading online can collect stamps by attending festivals to be entered to win round-trip air travel for two to the Alaska Airlines destination of their choice. Each stamp is an entry to win; the more Festál events attended and stamps collected, the higher the odds of winning! More information at seattlecenter.com/festal.

Seattle Center Festál highlights the culturally rich communities who shape the character of our region. Although the series began in 1997, some of the participating festivals took place earlier in their own ethnic communities. Now, Seattle Center serves as a central place, where festivals invite the public to join in their unique cultural expression. This year’s theme, “Love, Peace and Understanding,” is woven throughout 24 free, ethnic cultural festivals. In a time of divisive national rhetoric, Festál celebrates our shared humanity to build connections, tear down stereotypes and create trust.

Seattle Center Festál is a public program presented by Seattle Center in partnership with Tết In Seattle (T-I-S). Admission is free-of-charge. For more information on this festival, tetinseattle.org and to learn more about this collection of ethnic cultural events and other Seattle Center public programming, visit www.seattlecenter.com or call 206-684-7200.

]]>NYE at Seattle Center!http://centerspotlight.seattle.gov/2018/12/26/nye-at-seattle-center/
Thu, 27 Dec 2018 00:00:58 +0000http://centerspotlight.seattle.gov/?p=1028While Seattleites across the city will look toward Seattle Center for the spectacular 30-minute musically choreographed light show originating from the Space Needle, thousands will gather on the campus for all kind of New Year’s Eve revelry. From the fun, free Seattle Center Winterfest offerings to the many NYE events at venues on the grounds, Seattle Center is NYE-central for the region.

WinterFest New Year’s Eve Festivities, 8 p.m., Dec. 31, Seattle Center Armory and on the grounds. Celebrate the arrival of a new year with two free signature Winterfest events. Cover band Sway rocks in the New Year on the Armory Stage. Fountain of Light dance party, 10 p.m. at International Fountain, offers live electronic music and a video projection show by local DJ Freddy King of Pants and VJ Baryonyx. Sponsored by T-Mobile. Learn more at: Seattle Center Winterfest

New Year’s Eve pARTy, Doors open at 8 p.m. Must arrive by 10 p.m., Dec. 31, Chihuly Garden and Glass. Dine, dance and delight in the most extraordinary view of Seattle’s most iconic fireworks display through the glass ceiling. Information and tickets: New Year’s Eve pARTy

T-Mobile New Years’ Eve at the Needle, 9 p.m., Dec. 31, Space Needle. Join the height of celebration in Seattle. The party spans two floors atop the newly-transformed Space Needle. Taste, toast and dance the night away while enjoying floor-to-forever views on The Loupe, the world’s first and only revolving glass floor. Information and tickets: T-Mobile New Year’s Eve at the Needle

SPECTRA 2019: NYE Under the Arches, Starts at 9 p.m., Dec. 31, Pacific Science Center. Dance off the last hours of 2018 with live DJs and sip drinks from an open bar, while you wait for the luminary explosions of the Space Needle’s annual fireworks show to begin. Information and tickets: SPECTRA 2019

INDULGENCE 2019 NEW YEARS BASH, Doors open at 9 p.m., Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP). Multi-flavored excitement that satisfies and delights, with music played by live bands and 2 DJs, continuous comedy and RJ, the emcee hosting the event, accompanied by the party’s dancers and stage performers. Information and tickets: INDULGENCE 2019

Seattle Center Monorail will remain in service until 2 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2019 to accommodate New Year’s Eve visitors, ceasing operations between 11:15 p.m. and approximately 12:30 a.m., to comply with fire regulations.

Seattle Center Winterfest, produced by Seattle Center, presents spirited programming for one and all in search of entertaining and enriching activities during this festive time of year. For more information, visit Seattle Center or call 206 684-7200.

]]>Seattle Center Winterfest – week of Nov. 26http://centerspotlight.seattle.gov/2018/11/27/seattle-center-winterfest-week-of-nov-26/
Wed, 28 Nov 2018 01:30:49 +0000http://centerspotlight.seattle.gov/?p=1025Seattle Center Winterfest offers music and dance, comedy and acrobatics, dining and wintertime activities for anyone in search of uplifting spirit or delightful diversion from the hustle and bustle of the holiday routine. The five-week festival happens on the grounds and in Center venues, festively decorated for the occasion.

Winterfest kicked off the day after Thanksgiving and ends in a flash of New Year’s Eve fireworks. In between, you’ll find fun, free and affordable activities including Winterfest Ice Rink and Saturday ice sculpting, with a full day of ice carving mastery on Sunday, Dec. 16. Winter Train & Village returns, along with live weekend entertainment and daily student showcases.

Seattle Center Winterfest is part of Holidays at the Center inviting our community to partake in a variety of seasonal offerings across the grounds. Here is a schedule of Winterfest activities (unless stated, events are free of charge and held in Seattle Center Armory):

Seattle Center Winterfest, produced by Seattle Center, presents spirited programming for one and all in search of entertaining and enriching activities during this festive time of year. For more information, visit www.seattecenter.com or call 206 684-7200.

]]>Seattle Center Festál Infuses Love, Peace and Understanding into 2019 Serieshttp://centerspotlight.seattle.gov/2018/11/16/seattle-center-festal-infuses-love-peace-and-understanding-into-2019-series/
Fri, 16 Nov 2018 22:13:36 +0000http://centerspotlight.seattle.gov/?p=1023Embrace our ethnic diversity and cultivate a deeper understanding of the cultures that contribute to the vibrancy of our region at Seattle Center Festál. The “Love, Peace and Understanding” theme for 2019 is woven throughout 24 free, ethnic cultural festivals. In a time of divisive national rhetoric, Festál celebrates our shared humanity to build connections, tear down stereotypes and create trust.

Entering its 22 year, Festál offers an opportunity for communities to gather and share deeply rooted traditions and contemporary influences with the greater Seattle area through live music, dance, visual exploration, literature, film, workshops, demonstrations, hands-on learning and play for kids and adults. Many festivals also feature authentic foods and goods available for purchase.

Newly added this year is the “Alaska Airlines Fly Away Giveaway.” Guests who obtain a passport inside the Armory and collect stamps by attending festivals can be entered to win two round-trip airfare tickets to any Alaska Airlines destination. Each stamp is an entry to win; the more Festál events attended and stamps collected, the higher the odds of winning! More information to come at seattlecenter.com/festal.

Here are the festivals in the 2019 series:

Têt in Seattle – Vietnamese Lunar New Year, Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 26 – 27
Inviting the community to a celebration of the lunar new year with lion dances, firecrackers, martial arts, dance and visual arts. tetinseattle.org

Seattle’s French Fest: A Celebration of French-Speaking Cultures, Sunday, March 24
Celebrating the place of French language, culture and joie de vivre in over 30 countries worldwide with francophone fashion, fine cuisine, wine tastings and a wide array of musical performances. fenpnw.org

Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival, Saturday and Sunday, April 26 – 28
Underscoring the deep friendship between Seattle and Japan as it honors the renewal of life with springtime cherry blossoms, booming Taiko drums, contemporary Japanese arts and a traditional tea ceremony. cherryblossomfest.org

Northwest Folklife Festival, Memorial Day weekend, May 24 – 27
Weaving a cultural tapestry of art and music for all to enjoy at this packed, participatory four-day community-wide celebration. nwfolklife.org

Indigenous People Festival, Saturday, June 8
Instilling better understanding for American Indian and Alaska Native tribes in the Pacific Northwest through a blending of traditional and contemporary music, dance, drama and arts. sihb.org

Iranian Festival, Saturday, June 22
Deepening community and understanding for the rich cultures of Iran with Persian poetry, tea, modern music and and traditional dance. iaca-seattle.org

Spirit of Africa, Saturday, June 29
Fostering greater inclusivity, awareness and appreciation for the varied traditions of music, movement and storytelling of the African diaspora. thespiritofafrica.org

Polish Festival Seattle, Saturday, July 13
Promoting Polish heritage and presence in our region through a lively day of traditional foods, exhibits, workshops, vodka tastings and a beer garden. polishfestivalseattle.org

Tibet Fest, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 24 – 25
Bestowing messages of love, compassion and kindness through a fusion of ancient and new Tibetan arts and culture to engage, entertain and educate. washingtontibet.org

Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival, Sunday, Sept. 8
Cultivating passion and appreciation for Hawaiian culture with BBQ and poke, hands-on workshops, island music and dance and a marketplace. seattlelivealohafestival.com

Diwali: Lights of India, Saturday, Oct. 26
Inspiring a day of joyful celebration that marks the Indian festival of light with art workshops, succulent foods, henna tatooing, folk dancing and more.vedicculturalcenter.org

Dia de Muertos – A Mexican Celebration to Remember Our Departed, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 2 – 3
Honoring the departed in a celebration steeped in ritual and tradition through elaborate community altars, sugar skull making, processions and festive music.diademuertosenseattle.org

Hmong New Year Celebration, Saturday, Nov. 9
Marking the end of the harvest season and the coming of a new year for this deeply rooted Asian highland culture with ornate clothing, traditional dances, visual arts and ball-tossing competitions. hmongofwa.org

Seattle Center Festál is a public program presented by Seattle Center. Admission is free-of-charge. For more information on this collection of ethnic cultural events and other Seattle Center public programming, visit www.seattlecenter.com or call 206-684-7200.

About Seattle Center Festál

This illuminating series of 24 ethnic cultural festivals on weekends throughout the year seeks to connect people in ways that build understanding, dispel stereotypes and generate pride among the generations who participate in these shared experiences. Seattle Center Festál is produced with the generous support of KUOW 94.9 Public Radio, Coca-Cola, Alaska Airlines, T-Mobile, Lyft, 4Culture, the City of Seattle and Seattle Center Foundation.

Now in its sixth year, this festival showcases the arts and culture of India, adapted from and closely following Diwali, the popular annual autumn celebration in India.

On the Armory Stage, watch classical, folk and contemporary dances of India, along with a cultural attire show featuring Kanchipuram sarees and silks and a presentation on “Gatka,” a form of Punjabi martial arts. Newly added is a performance fusing the West African Talking drum with “Nattuvangam,” which incorporatesabstract vocal syllables nto an South Indian classical dance called Bharatanatyam.”

For more information, visit Diwali: Lights of India’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/vccfestivals Seattle Center Festál is a public program presented by Seattle Center in partnership with Vedic Cultural center Sammamish. Admission is free-of-charge. For more information on this festival, visit facebook.com/vccfestivals, and to learn more about this collection of ethnic cultural events and other Seattle Center public programming, visit www.seattlecenter.com or call 206-684-7200.

Created in 2001 by a group of dedicated Turkish-American volunteers desiring to highlight the diversity and richness of Turkish culture, Turkfest is an annual cultural festival that fosters friendship, understanding and cooperation in the greater communtity. This year’s theme “Melodies of Turkey” explores the broad range of Turkish music, song, instruments and dance with several unique performances.

For guests 21 and over, a raki (Turkish alcoholic drink) sampling event takes place in the festival’s Middle Eastern corner. Participants will taste five to six types of raki paired with meze (appetizers) inside a cozy, decorated corner with authentic rugs and pillows. Turkish coffee, tea and treats will also be available.

For more information on Turkfest, visit their Facebook pages: https://www.facebook.com/tacawa/ or https://www.facebook.com/TurkfestSeattle
Seattle Center Festál is a public program presented by Seattle Center in partnership with Turkish American Cultural Association of WA (TACAWA). Admission is free-of-charge. For more information on this festival, visit turkfest.org, and to learn more about this collection of ethnic cultural events and other Seattle Center public programming, visit www.seattlecenter.com or call 206-684-7200.

In its 15th year, the festival seeks to underscore the presence and influence of 40,000 people with Croatian ancestry living in our region with a day of exceptional programming, thoughtful exhibits and illuminating activities. Popular bands such as such as Sinovi Orchestra of Chicago and the festival new-comer, Tamburaški Sastav Ponoć, as well as ensembles hailing from across Canada and the United States perform live traditional Croatian song and dance on the main Armory Stage.

Special guest at the festival is Ambassador of Croatia to the United States, Pjer Šimunović. Most recently, Šimunović served as the director of Croatia’s National Security Council and now serves as the ambassador to Washington D.C.

Seattle Center Festál is a public program presented by Seattle Center in partnership with CroatiaFest. Admission is free of charge. For more information on this festival, visit croatiafest.org, and to learn more about this collection of ethnic cultural events and other Seattle Center public programming, visit www.seattlecenter.com or call 206-684-7200.

Now in it’s 20th year, the hugely popular two-day event, also known as festa Italiana Seattle, spans three pavilions and features plentiful music, food, displays and delight, Italian-style.

Activities range from a grape stomping competition and pizza tossing to the newly added Opera for Kids featuring four 40-minute performances of “Hansel & Gretel.” Festival goers can’t miss an all-Italian breeds dog show or a display of Italian classic vehicles as well as art and photography exhibits from Italian artists.

Visitors will find no shortage of food at The Italian Festival. Maggiano’s Little Italy, Mangia Me Food Truck and many other Italian food vendors join the festival to offer food for purchase. Food demonstrations on the Galbani “Great Italian Chefs” cooking stage occur both days starring Celebrity Chef Marco Sciortino, TV personality known for his creative and fun cooking tips and owner of Marco’s Italian Deli in Buffalo, NY.

For full schedule of events and more information, visit: FestaSeattle.com or facebook.com/festaseattle

Seattle Center Festál is a public program presented by Seattle Center in partnership with The Italian Festival. Admission is free-of-charge. For more information on this festival, visit festaseattle.com, and to learn more about this collection of ethnic cultural events and other Seattle Center public programming, visit www.seattlecenter.com or call 206-684-7200.

“Fiestas Patrias,” meaning “Patriotic Holidays” or “National Holidays” in Spanish, commemorates the independence of Latin American countries, many of which celebrate their national independence days in the month of September. The festival highlights the history of these communities while taking pride in the new generations of Latinos that now call the United States home, with live performances of dance and music, art, activities for the family and authentic dishes.

Appreciate two art exhibits: ¡VIVA! Latino/a Visions is a display by local Latinx artists and The Migration: A Look Through the Poster addresses the issue of migration and the human rights of people in this condition. Attend one of three hour-long cooking demonstrations of traditional Latin American dishes, sponsored by Cocina Oaxaca.

Explore the annual health fair with informational booths for vital health screenings, cholesterol and glucose checks, health education, oral health, WIC/MSS services, behavorial health, insurance enrollment, Sea Mar assisted living and nursing services, cancer prevention and hearing exams. Attendees at the health fair are entered to win prizes including a 32-inch flat screen TV.
Seattle Center Festál is a public program presented by Seattle Center in partnership with Sea Mar Community Health Centers. Admission is free-of-charge. For more information on this festival, visit seattlefiestaspatrias.org, and to learn more about this collection of ethnic cultural events and other Seattle Center public programming, visit www.seattlecenter.com or call 206-684-7200.